Private beach, white sand, sun-loungers, beach umbrellas
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Reviews of Hideaway Island Resort

3 out of 5
Hideaway Island Resort
Mele Bay, Hideaway Island, Hideaway Island

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 88 out of 227 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 101 out of 227 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 31 out of 227 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 227 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 227 reviews" "

8.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Renee

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The location is great and the snorkelling is excellent. The staff are fantastic. The resort needs some tender loving care. The gardens are well tendered, but the rest of the infrastructure needs work. Food is a bit hit and miss but there is a Beach Bar nearby thank goodness.
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Stellix on 11 Mar 2024
HI Renee,Appreciate your feedback as it helps to improve the standard of our services. Thank you again for choosing Hideaway Island Resort as your holiday destination and Yes, we understand about our food expenses.We are working and improving the standard of our accommodations and we doing our best for our Restaurant and Bar Services as well. Your feedback is important is on our list to work on our menu's.Thank you Kindly and looking forward to seeing you again.Tropical Regards,Stella

6/10 Okay

Alistair

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Property is quite run down. Had a beachfront bungalow but the stairs leading down to the beach were so overgrown with weeds they couldn't be used. It would have taken an hour to give it a tidy up and make it usable, but they just hadn't done it. The decking of the cabin was rotten and dangerous. I stepped through the decking a couple of times and left (more) holes in it. The water coming out of the cold tap was black and there was no hot water on the first 2 nights. Hot water was adequate on 3rd night and cold water was clear on 3rd night. Staff were lovely and very helpful. Food from the restaurant was good.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Rigmor

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location is superb, the staff are very friendly and helpful and everything needed is provided. My only minor criticism is that bunk beds are not suitable twin share for seniors.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Nicholas

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
N/A
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Marc

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The storms and cyclones have taken a toll on the property and it is slowly returning to normal in Vanuatu time
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

2/10 Terrible

Nur

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alison

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff at Hideaway are just lovely- so friendly and helpful and so tolerant . We stayed in the spacious family bungalows. The glass bottom boat and snorkel tour are great for familiarising your family with life on the reef and then you can explore on your own later. Only suggestion to make would be to give all visitors including day visitors even a 5 minute talk about the Marine Sanctuary and how fragile life is on the reef. Watching unmanaged kids as well as adults crush and kill coral was a bit up setting who didn’t understand the damage the were causing. Maybe mark off an area for beginners so they don’t cause further harm following cyclone with poor finning techniques on the coral. We hope to return one day- this place and beautiful staff were perfect for us and our budget
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Adrian

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The snorkelling is great and staying at the property allows you to have the reef to yourself for a couple of hours in the morning. The beach bungalow we stayed in has a great view and balcony but is old, no tv, internet available at the office but not the room and they give the first couple of days free then charge after that to use internet. One restaurant on the island, food can take a while so get orders in early and brekky costs a bit so recommend bringing some wheet bix and milk (adds up with the kids), but liked the place and the local people are lovely. There's a little shop off the island near the village which has waters, soft drink biscuits etc for better prices.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Annie

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

sally

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
A lovely property that is trying to survive after cyclones and lockdowns. The staff are all so friendly and helpful. The property is clean. The food is generous and fabulous. The Snorkeling is wonderful, better than a lot of Islands. Hopefully maintenance and upgrades can be in their future plans.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Stella on 18 Jun 2023
Thank you for your generous comment and for staying with us . We are looking forward to see you again.Cheers,Stella

6/10 Okay

Raul

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The local staff were excellent. They tried their best. The property is in a state of disrepair. Price is very expensive for what you get.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Response from Stellix on 15 Jun 2023
Thank you for staying with us. We are looking forward to see you again here for snorkeling.Thank youStella

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Close to the airport and Port Vila .Also very close to wonderful dive sites
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023
Response from Stellix on 15 Jun 2023
Thank you very much Sharon.Looking forward to seeing again next time.Regards,Stella

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

yujing

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
lovely and wram resort
I really love this island, the staffs in this hotel are really professional and devote their best effort to make sure you enjoy your stay. Due to weather conditions, my original schedule was completely disrupted, and my flight was canceled in the last mins. I called this hotel to ask them whether I can change my reschedule stay. They said its ok, and tell me that I should come to the hotel ASAP because the storm is coming, and it was dangerous to travel in poor weather conditions in Port Vila. Once I arrived, they help me to move my luggage in the heavy rain. I in fact stayed in this resort for 6 nights. The staff provided their best service to me. In addition, they help me to deal with the worst service airline in the world, Vanuatu Air. To be honest, the resort has been closed for 3 years, and during my stay, I saw the staff and the hotel owner still working on making this resort back to its best after the pandemic. In addition, the view and environment are so nice under good weather beyond words can explain. During night time, walking on the beach and seeing the milky galaxy, walking around the garden, etc. anyway, stay in this hotel for few days is nice experience and I will like to comeback.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Paula

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a gorgeous island. Accommodation is basic but very comfortable. Be aware there is no air conditioning when booking. It was clear that the resort has been severely impacted by Covid/cyclones but they are working very hard to rebuild. They only re-opened in December 2022. A very enjoyable place to stay. I would definitely recommend and would stay again. Do yourself a favour and stay here. The snorkelling directly out the front of the restaurant is some of the best we saw on our travels around Efate. Plus the underwater post office is a plus!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

2/10 Terrible

Miriam Esther

8/10 Good

Alastair

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Peaceful and relaxing sanctuary...apart from when passengers from cruise ships in Port Vila visit - but resident guest areas (including small but lovely pool) off limits to them! Restaurant offerings limited but tasty and plentiful - fish coconut curry a standout! More could and should be done to protect the house reef from damage - signage at the (superfluous) shoreside steps is ineffective. There is opportunity for (brief) education of guests about coral reefs and the importance of their protection (globally, as well as locally) which would at least make a plea of ignorance implausible. Bungalow (9) accommodation very comfortable with beautiful sea view, reached by pleasant garden pathway stroll. Repair of (corrugated metal) roofing required where free edges corroding badly, otherwise more extensive (& expensive) roof repairs await. Resort staff are this place's singular asset - outstanding! Only one significant complaint - as we booked HIR specifically on account of their scuba dive centre, it was disappointing to learn on arrival that it had not yet reopened after Covid shutdown - a fact which should have been available on their website, or made clear in response to our (unanswered) enquiries about booking diving. All was not lost, however, as we did manage to organise one day of diving with Jerry's Dive Services - seems he's something of a scuba legend in Vanuatu, and certainly we can recommend him unreservedly!

8/10 Good

Edward

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Exemplary
Great breakfast only underwater post office snorkelling right out front Terrific fire show at beach bar
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Meika, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely a must visit! Room charges include breakfast, snorkel equipment hire, kayak use, glass bottom boat trip, snorkel safari and return boat transfers. Pristine snorkeling on a reef in the process of being regenerated by Newcastle Uni. This place is HEAVEN!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
staff were awesome. It was the happiest place we have stayed in many years of travel. The kitchen staff sang as they prepared breakfast and it sounded as if an entire choir was serenading us. It was low season when we visited and the pwners happened to be on site. They were very welcoming and helped solve a double booking problem we had , reassured us and sorted it all out with good humour and efficiency.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Mattæus

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Unique experience in Paradise
Pros Lovely staff. Amazing location. Free water gear "Feel-good" vibe Cons "island time" - thing takes time (food, service etc). Expensive food and beverage and you're not allowed to bring your own to the island.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Chris, Edenhope Victoria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Hideaway is like a home away from home to me. I have now stayed there ten times over the past thirteen years. It is one of the few holiday destinations that I find totally relaxing. Hideaway Time is my time!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Deb

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was amazing to be able to snorkel straight off the beach, perfectly clear water and loads of fish. The snorkel safari on a daily basis was fantastic. The meals at the restaurant were delicious. This is a perfect location to get away from everything, nice and relaxed. Not a 5 star resort, a bit worn and a rustic feel, but views from bungalows are definitely 5 star.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service
This is a beautiful location, however the bungalows and restaurant facilities are a bit tired and need renovation. There were broken mirrors, stained tiles, cheap shower caddies. For the price, one would expect more upscale accommodations.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Superb location, friendly staff, excellent for snorkelling and diving. The free boat ferry service works very well. The restaurant has a great menu and the food is very well prepared and presented.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service
The people and the service were amazing employees a wonderful and friendly but out of all the group that stayed there we nearly all ended up with some type of gastro diarrhoea which half ruined our trip
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking great and free. Appreciated free ferry service. Bungalows huge and comfortable. Distance between bungalows made a very quiet and peaceful sleep. Restaurant food very good. Restaurant, bar a bit dated and could do with a ‘freshen up’. Most people go to beach bar on mainland as there is more atmosphere at night
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019

6/10 Okay

Graham

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Over rated
Island looking a bit tired Service very good, local staff very friendly Coral beach very sharp but that’s where all the coral was. On the beach . Not regrown since cyclone Expensive for what it was
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Nigel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Laid back beach break
Laid back location with great accommodation, good bar style food and excellent scuba diving just off shore.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
location brilliant - fresh flowers everyday very nice
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

FloinNZ, Auckland

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the location and the snorkeling was amazing! The staff was really friendly and helpful. The food was average and the constant noise of the generator at night wasn't great for sleeping.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Annie, Sydney, Australia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The accommodation on this idyllic island could use a freshen up, but the friendly staff and incredible amount and variety of tropical fish and other sea life you see the second you are in the water (which is literally steps from your door wherever you are on the island) are absolutely second to none. Highly recommend and would definitely return.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Island paradise lovely to sit and dream while world goes about its terrible happenings
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hideaway island is an amazing place to stay ! The staff are lovely The snorkelling is amazing ! Absolutely love staying here . However I do advise when getting off the island Do NOT get on the buses that are waiting near boat They will try to rip you off ! One bus driver in particular waits there and tries to charge double ! Walk up to main road and get on another local bus Worth it ! Enjoy
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Paradise for the week
Amazing stay... we had the Villa with private pool which was lovely as it was peaceful, a little windy on this side, but very scenic and comfortable in the villa. The diving, snorkelling, glass bottom boat, kayaks and all the other activities are fantastic. All the staff are really friendly and it’s so good to be on the Island with all the amazing The sea life right there as soon as you enter the water! The cinema nights and night snorkelling are cool. Food and drink was nice. We did a trip to the Zip line adventure which was definitely worth doing and also a walk into the village to see the locals. The beach bar just by the ferry was nice, but for meals we loved the coconut curry on hideaway which you have to try! We had an amazing holiday!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
While a little dated, the rooms are clean and comfortable. The only issue was lots of wind while we were there blew sand into our Bungalow! But, you don't spend much time there, anyway, as the snorkelling and diving are AMAZING! All the staff are brilliant, and the dive crew are patient and careful, and a lot of fun. The food is also great. About what you would expect to pay back in Australia, but really high quality ingredients, cooked well. (Though breakfast is included, it is pretty basic.) If we return to Vanuatu, we would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2019

2/10 Terrible

Josselin

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Regular hotel that tries to surcharge you
The location is great and staff is really gentle. However, the rooms are really old but clean. There is also many lizard and bugs in the room. However there is few things to note: 1. The hotel hardly replies to phone calls. 2. Due to (1), we weren't able to organise transportation. We had to pay an flat rate 2000 VAT for a TAXI (for 3pax), but the information centre guaranteed that this hotel should refund transportation cost. They didn't. 3. Hotel charges ridiculous price to head back to the airport (4000 VAT for 3pax) for a minibus. This is ridiculous, twice the price than taxi for 15mn drive! (mini bus would probably cost 500-1000max normally) 4. The room is near a noisy generator 5. The room has no curtains, which is a privacy concerns. 6. The Australian hotel management remained irresponssive on our requests. A lot of promise to check, but nothing done in practice Few other things for like minded photographers, this place is advertised with many drone shots, but it is forbidden to fly drone here (too close to airport). So yes you stay in a nice island, but be ready to pay a large premium. The Australian management will not help you at all. I have been to other place in Port Vila before, this is by far the worst experience I have in a hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Vivien

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Relaxing place to stay with grandchilren /family
We had ten days here over Easter. Thoroughly enjoyed all activities on offer at Hideaway. Thanks Rodney, Christina, Olivia and your lovely staff. Tropical fruit on breakfast buffet a favourite...and the curry at dinner. Lots to do around Efate. Bungalow 5 had lovely views across Mele Bay. The pool was a favourite with the grandchildren. And the snorkelling and glassbottomed boat. And the village walk. And the film night with popcorn. And your surprise Easter Eggs! We took the little boat over to the Beach Bar for hamburgers and the Circus one night and Fireshow on Friday night. Loved the Secret Garden history panels. Loved K2 restaurant on Mele Road. Loved the rescued turtles at the ‘Zoo’ beyond Vila. And swinging on the ropes at Blue Lagoon. All eleven of us fitted into a van which was a novelty!
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2019